Technology

In order to acquire unparalleled self-sustainability in the hybrid car industry, we have coupled advanced modern photovoltaic technology with revolutionary piezoelectric principles to create a new standard of vehicle efficiency.

Our Approach

We maximized the potential electricity generated by designing the entire axle-wheel component such that the camber angle and caster angle is mathematically effective with the highest coefficient of friction between the wheel and road surface possible. Additionally, wheels manufactured of a piezopolymer will maintain flexibility and vehicle longevity. These polymers utilize PTFE substances which are known to be durable and resist pressure. Piezoelectric materials generate electrical charge in response to mechanical stress; effectively, microcircuits disseminated throughout the tires will transfer electricity generated during movement back to the rotational motors. A perpetual cycle of energy production and use is hereby created. Moreover, liquidized photovoltaic cells will be applied in the form of a paint over the vehicles exterior. Cells which conduct electricity when struck by sunlight will then carry the electricity to a centralized current collection facility within the vehicle which would be connected directly to the motor. Altogether, in addition to new vehicle materials such as carbon fibers and fullerenes, these technologies can nearly remove dependence on fossil fuels in the auto-industry.

  • Piezoelectricity
    Piezoelectricity is understood as the electricity which is the byproduct of electromechanical interactions, primarily electrical and mechanical oscillations. These engagements create a transducer effect as per the application of mechanical stress on materials which have no inversion symmetry. As a result of this centro-symmetric attribute, the reverse piezoelectric effect is plausible; this is, a substance can yield mechanical pressure when subjected to an electric field. Piezoelectricity is mathematically expressed as a linear relationship between the mechanical factors of strain, compliance and stress, and the electrical factors of electric displacement, permittivity, and the strength of the electric field. Effectively, selection of the right crystal class (polar) and the correct polymer to maximize mechanical facets, will together produce incredible results in our design.

As shown above, the piezoelectric effect works because of the movement on atoms in the crystal's molecules. All piezoelectric compounds are made of ions, atoms that have either gained or lost electrons and hence accumulated electric charge. Piezoelectric crystals are composed of positive and negative ions in an alternating fashion. Tension, or pulling, and compression, or squeezing, push and pull these positive and negative away from either other, creating an energy gradient across the crystal and allowing an electric current to flow.

  • Photovoltaics
    The pragmatism of photovoltaic cells relies on the photovoltaic effect which is characterized by the behavior of atomic structures. When light strikes a photovoltaic cell, the electrons which reside in the valence band of the substance are excited. The excitation results in free electrons in the conduction band; as they diffuse they create a potential, resulting in an electromotive force by which light energy is converted into electrical energy. The diffusion creates a difference in voltage between two dissimilar materials. The resulting transfer creates a direct current of electricity.